Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405

Artist Mindy Alper has spent almost all of her 56 years combating severe depression and acute anxiety, using medication, and undergoing electroconvulsive therapy and psychiatry.

Art has always been her most effective outlet, with drawing and sculpture offering her the tools to give voice to her fears and mental battles. Represented by one of Los Angeles' top galleries, she came through 10 years in which she was left without the ability to speak, emerging from darkness and isolation to a life that includes love, trust and support.

The movie won Best Documentary Short Subject at the 2018 Academy Awards.